PAPER SELECTED

Systemic dissemination of chlamydiae after genital infection in rabbit

Findings of chlamydiae in ejaculates of various farm animal species were reported in an earlier paper (Veznik et al., 1998). The objectives of this experiment were to test the hypothesis that such findings are due rather to genital infection than to contamination that may occur during the passage of semen through urethra, and to demonstrate possible dissemination of chlamydiae in the organs of the host. Ten male rabbits were inoculated with 0,5 mi of suspension of Chlamydia psittaci (ewe abortion strain PK-5082) divided into both testicles. The clinical state of the animals was monitored before and after the inoculation. The rabbits were successively sacrificed (the last one on p.i. day 122) and samples of testicles, epididymis, seminal vesicles, urethra, kidney, liver, spleen, and lung were examined for the presence of chlamydiae using simultaneously the diagnostic kits Progen for direct immunofluorescence and Welcozyme ELISA Test. Shedding of chlamydiae in ejaculates was demonstrated in two rabbits from p.i. day 63 and in all the remaining from p.i. day 77. Elementary of reticular bodies were demonstrated in testicular, epididymidal, renal, hepatic, lung and splenic tissues. The results of both the methods were quite identical. The significance of systemic dissemination of chlamydiae after genital infection is discussed with regard to their role as a cofactor in the development of polyfactorial diseases